If you are one of the millions of people who suffer every day from arthritis joint pain, or other similar types of pain, you are probably very familiar with standard pill-form pain relieving medications and natural active ingredients. There are many widely-recognized forms available such as aspirin, NSAIDs, and even prescription pain-killing pills.

However, there is an equally effective option available for chronic pain sufferers, in the form of topical muscle pain relief cream's that quickly and effectively address pain. “Topical forms are underused,” says Consumer Reports’ medical director, OrlyAvitzur, M.D.

"They can be an alternative for people who cannot tolerate the potential side effects of oral NSAIDS," Avitzur adds. Avitzur addresses an important issue for many people in regards to side effects. Aspirin, NSAIDs, prescription pain pills, or anything that comes in pill or tablet form for oral use, undergo a process of being broken down in the gastrointestinal system.

Through that metabolic process, the stomach, kidneys, and liver are at risk in various ways. In contrast, natural topical creams and gels offer the utility of pain pills, but without the side effects that come with so many of those pills.

A topical application for pain relief includes creams, gels, and lotions. Often containing natural ingredients like menthol or camphor, these topical medications can deliver swift pain relief that can last for several hours. One of the most significant benefits of using a topical medication over oral medication is that topical medication can be applied directly or very closely to the pain site.

As such, topical applications offer localized pain relief that specifically addresses the pain site, and does so without the risks involved in taking a pill does not offer that kind of specificity.

The level of specificity that a topical medication can offer is significant for many people. For example, someone suffering from stomach, liver, or metabolic issues, frequent pain pill usage is not practical or sustainable. While the pills may be able to inhibit pain for that person, in the long run, the side effects can prove to be lethal. Another example is athletes, who are highly prone to injuries and accidents.

They need fast-acting rapid pain relief that is both localized and enduring. Topical pain relief applications are very often the best solution for athletes, as its targeted delivery mechanism allows it to be applied to specific sites and offer speedy healing from injuries or accidents involving bruising, sprains, or strains.

Anyone suffering from chronic or episodic pain should consider pain-relieving muscle creams as a first-line resource for pain relief. Pain-relieving creams are widely available throughout the market and it’s important to keep a keen eye on the ingredients used in the topical applications.

While many creams and gels use menthol and camphor as the main ingredients, there are other products that claim to use natural ingredients but upon further inspection of the label, show to be composed of many other hazardous ingredients.

It’s best to take the guesswork out of the buying process and to use muscle and pain-relieving creams that have been tested, reviewed, and ultimately confirmed to be superior choices.

Here’s a look at some of the most effective muscle and painkilling creams available on the market today:

1. Bengay Pain Relieving Cream

Bengay is easily one of the most recognizable painkilling creams on the market today. Readily available at neighborhood drugstores and pharmacies, Bengay offers quick relief for sore muscles, aching bones, and pain from inflammation. Bengay’s formula contains salicylates, camphor, and menthol, which give both warming and cooling effects.

2. Icy Hot Vanishing Gel

Icy Hot is another easily recognizable pain relieving cream/gel on the market. This product features a quickly dissipating gel that offers a cooling and warming sensation without offensively strong aromas. It has been on the market for over 25 years and remains a staple in many households. It’s available here:

4. Australian Dream Arthritis Pain Relief Cream

From the land down under, Australian Dream Arthritis Pain Relief Cream is a fantastic choice for those with sensitive skin. Featuring an odorless, grease-free, and non-burning formula, this product is unique in its delivery and offers effective yet gentle relief.

5. Sportscreme Deep Penetrating Pain Reliecing Rub

Featuring a high-salicylate formula, this product is an optimal choice for those suffering from debilitating pain. Perfect for athletes and non-athletes alike, this deep penetrating pain relieving rub offers the rapid results that you desire.

To browse many more pain-relieving creams, sprays, and patches, check out justnopain.com. Their site is dedicated to pain relief and features up-to-the-minute information about pain relief products and research.